Devil’s Trumpet

(Datura metel)

Devil’s Trumpet (Datura metel)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Datura metel, commonly known as Devil’s Trumpet, is an annual or short-lived shrubby perennial herb native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, as well as Mexico. It typically grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) high and features large, trumpet-shaped flowers that are immensely varied in color, often white, yellow, or purple, and can be single or double. These flowers are known for their pleasant scent and bloom from early summer until fall, adding a dramatic display to gardens. The plant’s foliage is dark green, and it sometimes bears spiny fruit.

Devil’s Trumpet is appreciated for its striking, fragrant flowers and is often used as an ornamental plant in containers, borders, and as a specimen plant. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soil. While it is drought-tolerant once established, regular watering promotes optimal growth and flowering. Gardeners should handle this plant with care, as all parts are highly toxic if ingested. It is potentially invasive in some regions due to its ability to self-seed prolifically, so it is essential to check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb
  • Height: 3-4 feet
  • Width: 3-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

native to tropical and subtropical regions of Central and South America, as well as Mexico

Other Names

Common Names: Hoary Thorn-Apple, Angel’s Trumpet, Metel, Indian Thornapple, Horn-Of-Plenty, Downy Thorn-Apple, Hindu Datura, Hindu Thorn-Apple, Purple Thorn-Apple, Indischer St.

Scientific Names: , Datura metel, Datura fastuosa, Datura chlorantha, Datura alba, Datura fastuosa var. alba, Datura cornucopia, Datura hummatu, Stramonium datura, Stramonium fastuosum

GBIF Accepted Name: Datura metel L.